Our team is dedicated to connecting and fostering interaction between the institute’s academic researchers and those in industry, both in neuroscience and in broader applications.
A dynamic team of about ten people is in charge of four essential missions:
Detecting promising projects directly with researchers, raising awareness of patent filing and accompanying them through the filing process.
Patent licensing to young companies and large groups.
Assistance and advice to spinoffs from the Institut du Cerveau – ICM and young startups collaborating with the Institute’s academic teams, through the iPEPS business incubator.
The design, implementation and monitoring of ambitious industrial alliances to accelerate the arrival of products on the market – in other words, of care for the patient.
Are you currently looking to license? We hold patents in the following areas:
- Glioma diagnosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Epilepsy
- Sleep and memory
- Dopamineragil-related disorders
- Cerebellar disorders
- Hungtingon’s disease
DIRECTION
Alexis Génin heads the Research & Technology Development office at Institut du Cerveau, since 2010. He holds a PhD in neurosciences. After a research assignment in Asia and collaborative programs with the pharmaceutical industry, he took responsibility of international business development operations for a Paris-based medtech & diagnostic company. Alexis participated to the establishment of INSERM-Transfert, a spin-off company from INSERM, in charge of Tech transfer, before joining the Institut du Cerveau at its start.
OFFICE MANAGEMENT
Valérie Fonteny is Office Manager, in charge of the administrative management of partnerships and patents, and of logistical and organizational issues. She holds a tourism technician’s certificate (national interpreter-guide) and an art history postgraduate diploma. She worked at the National Cancer Institute as an executive assistant, then as a project manager with the director of research. Previously, she worked at Orphanet, the portal of rare diseases and orphan drugs.
BIOTECH / DRUG DEVELOPMENT
Athanasia Liabotis is in charge of preclinical projects development. She holds a PhD in cell biology and physiology from Sorbonne University, which she achieved at the Collège de France in Paris. After a Specialized Master in pharmaceutical and biotechnology management at ESCP Europe Business School, she joined the Roche Institute as a scientific project manager.
Etienne Blanc is in the charge of the detection and the development of preclinical projects. He also assists the startups incubated at the institute in their interactions with the ICM research teams. Etienne holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, a master’s degree in Biotechnologies and a specialized master’s degree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Paris Sciences et Lettres University. He has worked in both the public and private sector in relations with Biotech startups.
Paola Ramirez is a research engineer in drug screening. Paola is in charge of preclinical testing of new drug candidates developed by research teams at Institut du Cerveau and a variety of medicinal chemists She has an engineering degree on ‘’integrative pathophysiology’’ from the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes. She worked as an engineer at ICM, on a team interesting on therapetic drug development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
MEDTECH / LIVING LAB
Fanny Audibert is the Medtech development and Living Lab Manager. Before taking on the role of Medtech Development Manager, she was in charge of Biotech business development and partnership at the Institute. Prior to joining the Institute, Fanny trained in Business Development with Theranexus; she also worked at Bpifrance le Hub in the support of startups. She holds a Master’s degree in Bio-Engineering and Innovation in Neurosciences from ESPCI and a Specialised Master in Biopharmaceutical Management from ESCP Europe Business School.
Pierre Tissier is a prototyping engineer at the Institut du Cerveau. He designs and produces technologies for research purposes and for patient care. He also provides access to the latest prototyping technologies (3D printers, laser cutting machine…) to researchers and industry partners. Pierre holds a Master degree in robotic engineering from the mechanical engineering school SupMeca.
Sarah Benessiano is the operational manager of the LivingLab at the Brain Institute. Her missions aim at developing innovative projects through different programs. She supports patients and care professionals in the definition, implementation and development of their projects. She holds a Master’s degree in Design from the Strate school of design, an engineering bachelor from the IUT of Cachan and an Civil Engineering bachelor.
Julie Sauzin is a designer in charge of the “Parkcare” program in partnership with the start-up Diampark. This program aims to create and develop solutions to improve the patient journey for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. She holds a Master degree in Service and UX Design from Strate école de Design, as well as an entrepreneurship degree from ESCP Europe.
Cassandra Zorayan is a designer and project manager of the Strokecare program in partnership with SBT Humans Matter. The aim of this program is to develop digital solutions for caregivers and patients suffering from stroke and brain injuries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in product design from the École de Condé Lyon and a Master’s degree in Prospective Design, a multidisciplinary course that includes design with the ESADSE, management with the IAE Université Jean Monnet and engineering with the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne.
ACCELERATION
Théo L’Ahelec is the clinical business development manager at the Paris Brain Institute and for the Neurotrials structure. He holds a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and Pathophysiology from Paris Diderot University and a Specialised Master’s degree in Biopharmaceutical Management from ESCP Europe Business School. Prior to joining the Institute, Théo was in charge of business development and fundraising activities in a clinical biotech in the field of oncology; he previously held various positions in BD and project management at Sanofi.
Françoise PIGUET heads the TIDU (Technological Innovation and Development Unit) GENOV, specializing in Gene and Cell Therapy since 2022. She holds a PhD in neurosciences, specialty Gene Therapy from Paris Descartes University. After a post-doctorate in Italy and then back in France, she joined the institute in 2018. She has expertise in the development of therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and lysosomal storage diseases from proof of concept in mice to preclinical approaches in large animals and the setting up of clinical trials in humans.
iPEPS INCUBATOR
Alexandre Menicacci is the manager of iPEPS incubator. With a background in Pharmaceuticals and Software Engineering, Alexandre presents over 15 years of experience in designing and developing new business or organizational solutions for innovative industries, with a particular focus on digital transformation and data valorization. He brings to the team his operational expertise to ensure the growth and success of incubated companies.
Louise Remigereau is Operations Managerof the 3 iPEPS incubation sites. It also ensures coordination between departments and takes care of the administrative support of start-ups. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in heritage and culture management, she has always worked in the service of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Shirihane KOUADRI is a Sr. Startup incubation manager at iPEPS. Its role is to support start-ups hosted on the 3 incubation sites in their growth both by developing exchanges with the institute’s ecosystem and by supporting them on the business and financial aspects of their startup. Holder of a Master’s degree in Bioengineering and Immunotherapies from Sorbonne University and a Master’s degree in Biopharmaceutical Management, Finance and Venture Capital, Shirihane was previously a financial analyst in the Biotechs, MedTechs and pharmaceutical groups sector at ODDO BHF. She also held the position of Associate in an investment fund and that of Health Sector Manager within the expertise department of Bpifrance.
Paul Sarret is Startup incubation manager at the iPEPS. Before joining the iPEPS incubator, he was working as an Health Business Development at Erganeo. Prior to joining the Institute, Paul trained in Business Development and Health Business Analyst with Erganeo; he also worked at Regeneus, an Australian Biotech Start-up. He holds a Master’s degree in Biotherapy from Paris Saclay University and a Specialised Master in Strategy and International Business Development from EM Lyon Business School and Centrale Supelec.
Iréna DRYANOVA is corporate business manager. She is in charge of the management and coordination of corporate and institutional programs for the support and acceleration on Startups. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s degree in marketing, she worked as an operational manager in the events sector.
ENTREPRENEURS IN RESIDENCE & MENTORS
Damien Salauze is entrepreneur in residence at IPEPS-Institut du Cerveau. He holds a PharmD, PhD, as well as an MBA from INSEAD. He first worked at Rhône-Poulenc / Aventis in drug-development position and marketing positions, and then joined the venture-capital firm Auriga Partners. He there became CEO of 2 start-up companies: Novagali Pharma then Sepal Pharma. He also headed the Office of technology Transfer at Institut Curie. Damien serves as equity manager for Institut du Cerveau (in addition to heading of the FINDMED consortium, coordinated by Institut du Cerveau).
Ségolène Aymé is an expert in Rare Diseases in residence at the Brain Institute. She is Director of Research Emeritus at INSERM. A geneticist and epidemiologist by training, she is the founder of ORPHANET and the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. She has held numerous international positions in the field of rare diseases and orphan drugs. Ségolène now contributes to the activities of the Brain Institute in the field of rare diseases in Neurology.